Whats New

Jun2003

What's New

Classic design with a modern slantLuxottica Group introduces its Versace eyewear and sunwear line, comprised of 25 ophthalmic styles (19 metals and six plastics) and 22 sunglasses (17 metals, including one titanium style, and five plastics). The entire Versace collection is targeted to the upscale, cosmopolitan, extroverted individual 25- to 35-years old. Included is a wide range of shapes that runs the gamut from a contemporaryunisex wrap to a feminine oval/rectangular fusion with delicate crystals on the front. The brand finds its inspiration in timeless, classic design reinterpreted with a bold, modern slant. Variations on the Versace Medusa and Greek key motif are evident throughout the collection.PHILOSOPHY: “Original, ingenious and innovative, the new Versace eyewear and sunwear collections combine glamour, luxury and cutting-edge design. The application of Luxottica’s standardsof quality and service to the power and prestige of the Versace name has resulted, we believe, in a world-class collection designed to best meet the needs of today’s modern fashion-conscious consumer,” says Luxottica Group director of marketing Vittorio Verdun.MARKETING: Merchandising materials include combination wood/Plexiglas one- and four-place displays, both with a logo plaque, posters and countercards. PRICE POINT: $$$ to $$$$$.AVAILABILITY: Spring 2003. For additional information, contact Luxottica Group,(800) 422-2020; web site: www.luxottica.com.

Lafont: Issy & La

Ready-to-wear options for demanding consumersLafont presents its Issy & La eyewear collection. Targeted to youthful, fashion-forward consumers, the line, consisting of 22 styles is positioned as affordable, lifestyle eyewear that preserves the Lafont spirit of color and style. Included are bowtie, butterfly, cat-eye, oval, preppie, hexagonal and rectangular designs in both metal and plastic. Some styles are semi-rimless. Colors range from shades of gray, brown and tortoise to blue, orange and red with a strong emphasis on such Lafont signature colors as purple and lime green.PHILOSOPHY: “The Issy & La collection provides a fashion-forward, affordable option to eyeglass wearers, making it easier for them to purchase multiple pairs of glasses to complement their wardrobes and individual needs. We feel this line is representative of today’s casual, urban lifestyle with a touch of sophistication,” says Lafont vice president Ray Khalil.MARKETING: Merchandising materials include countercards in two sizes and a catalog, all reflecting the Lafont signature colors. Each frame comes with a colorful hard case.PRICE POINT: $$$ to $$$$.AVAILABILITY: Now. For additional information, contact Lafont, (800) 832-8233; web site: www.lafont-paris.com.

Colors in Optics:Iceberg Eyewear

Targeting chic, aggressive, sophisticated consumers Colors in Optics introduces Iceberg, a branded eyewear line taking its name from the Italian ready-to-wear company. Positioned for a trendy, urban market, the new collection consists of 18 ophthalmic frames and 22 sun styles. Designs are unisex and range from three-piece mounts and semi-rimless styles (some with rims on the lower half of the eyerims or lenses floating within the frame) to eight-base cylindrical wraps, rainbow shields and chunky plastics, including a bold white sunglass. Sunlenses feature gradient and mirror coatings. PHILOSOPHY: “The trend-setting silhouettes of the Iceberg ophthalmic and sun styles are designed to reflect the high-fashion, upscale attitude of the Iceberg ready-to-wear collection,” says Colors in Optics vice president Rhona Hutton.MARKETING: Merchandising materials include a four-place display, countercard and logo plaque. Frames and sunglasses come with a white hard case.PRICE POINT: $$$ to $$$$.AVAILABILITY: Spring 2003. For additionalinformation, contact Colors in Optics, (800) 465-1200.